Your car is your prized possession. It drives you to work, takes your kids to school and lets you explore the wide, open roads on a weekend adventure. So it’s imperative you take care of your car by maintaining it at regular intervals.
With your car built with several parts (about 30,000) – it is vital that everything from the tiniest nuts and bolt through to the powerful engine are maintained.
As they say, prevention is always better than a cure. This ultimate car maintenance checklist will guide you through all the checklist points required to keep your car in its best condition.
Check your Tyres:
Three things to check when it comes to tyres – the wear, tread, and pressure.
First we need to check the tyres and confirm if they’re still in good condition. Learn how to check they’re inflated to the correct pressure with a tyre gauge. A gauge to check your tyre pressure can be accessed at most petrol stations.
Next check there are no visible bald spots on the grip around the wheel.
If you’ve been driving and it feels like your car might be leaning a little to one side of the road, it’s time to consider a wheel alignment to maintain balance and avoid excessive wear. Rotating the tyres regularly will also help to reduce uneven wear on your wheels.
Check the Fluids:
Fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and oil are crucial to your car’s performance. Check the levels regularly, and replace or top them up when needed. Often replacing fluids (rather than topping them up if the best approach depending on your driving habits and the type of oil used. The best way to determine is you need a fluid change is to check your manual for guidelines or get an expert’s advice.
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Check the Engine Air Filter:
Some engine air filters can be manually accessed by you, but others need assistance from local auto shops. Your local mechanic can also advise you on how often the filter needs to be changed.
Normally, air filters need a replacement after every 10,000-15,000 kilometres driven, or every 12-18 months. Failing to change at the right time would cause it to be extremely dirty and brittle, compromising its functioning.
Check the Wipers and Windscreens:
Wipers are made from rubber, which enables them to endure extreme driving temperatures and conditions. Nevertheless, they too need to be replaced regularly – even if it isn’t raining. Often at least once a year.
With Australia’s harsh climate, changing your wipers regularly is a must. If left unchanged your vision from the windscreen might be compromised. It can also affect the windshield, as damaged wipers could result in inflicting small chips on the screen that might eventually turn into large cracks.
Check the Brakes:
Brakes are another car part that needs utmost care. It is vital in maintaining a safe drive and enhanced vehicle performance. Regular inspection and changing must be done every 10,000 kms. driven.
Failing to change the brakes will result in an unpleasant and dangerous driving experience. Regular replacement of brake plates will spare you from the constant screeching and rubbing noises that old brakes brushing against each other can make.
Check the Battery:
Car batteries also require thorough maintenance because of their vital function – starting the engine. Prolonged use or not using your vehicle regularly may cause the battery to lose its power.
Keep track of how old your battery is to determine if you need to replace it with a new one. A typical battery shelf life is between three to four years.
Additionally, check for possible corrosions of terminals. It can impact the battery performance. Fill up the battery fluid if needed.
The battery would also tend to drain if the car isn’t put to use on a regular basis. It is advisable to take your car out for a short spin at regular intervals to maintain the battery life.
Check the Headlights:
Headlights aid you to have a smooth drive in the darkness of the night. They are said to last up to 2 years, however it is always advisable to maintain the health of your headlights by giving it a regular check and swapping it with new ones if necessary.
Because of constant usage, headlights can lose their strength and give out reduced lighting and that can be troublesome, as these not only light up your path, but also give out signals to the vehicles around you. Bottomline, taking care of your headlights ultimately means taking care of your safety.
Check the Spark Plugs:
The engine starts your car, but the spark plugs are the ones that ignite your engine.
Therefore, it is important to pay good attention to the spark plugs as it ensures your engine’s performance and longevity.
If you experience jerks and rattling sounds, it is an indication that the spark plugs need to be replaced. Ignoring to do so will compromise your car’s performance and will pose difficulties in starting your car.
Check if the Exterior needs Cleaning:
Now that you have examined what’s under the hood, it’s time to look at the exterior. Are the windows and surfaces dusty and full of grime? They probably need a good wash.
Make it a part of your daily routine to clean your car. Avoid the accumulation of dust and grime that will eventually eat up your car paint. Maintaining the exterior of your car with regular washes also gives it a fresher look, ready to take up the challenge to drive longer.
Check for Early Signals of Car Repair:
Ignorance is not an excuse. Often, your car talks to you with a squeaky door hinge, a thumping sound from a loose exhaust pipe, high-pitch sounds from bumping brakes and other noises from the transmission.
If you’re experiencing these sounds while driving – heed the call and get your vehicle checked before it breaks down.